Pulse descriptor word generator

Abstract

A portable apparatus and a method for inserting digitized previously recorded or fabricated radio frequency (RF) pulse descriptor word (PDW) data files into an electronic surveillance (ES) system to realistically simulate a complex RF environment. The apparatus includes a personal computer and an electronics unit configured for easy integration into an ES system between the receiver and pulse processor. PDW data files are created on the personal computer and transmitted to the electronics unit as supplied PDW data. In the primary embodiment, real RF pulse data from the receiver is halted in the electronics unit and supplied PDW data and data from the receiver unrelated to PDW data, is passed in a continuous stream to the pulse processor. In a secondary embodiment, an upgrade in the electronics unit multiplexes both real RF pulse data and supplied PDW data for transmission to the pulse processor.

Description

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST[0001]The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefore.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to electronic surveillance (ES) and electronic counter measure (ECM) systems and, in particular, to a portable device capable of inserting previously collected and stored or fabricated digitized radio frequency (RF) pulsed data into an electronic surveillance system to realistically simulate the complex and dense RF environment of a particular theater of operation or threat scenario. The invention further relates to the method by which the device creates and inserts said data.[0004]2. Description of the Background[0005]Electronic Surveillance (“ES”) systems are used on modern United States (U.S.) Navy ships. These systems receive RF signatures in the form of pulse dat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus for inserting digitized RF pulse data into an ES system (AN / SLQ-32(V)). The apparatus includes a PDW Generator, which is integrated into the ES system and allows for the insertion of previously recorded or fabricated RF pulse data. The generated data can be analyzed to improve the detection and identification capabilities of the ES system and the crew's readiness. The apparatus can also be used as an on-board trouble-shooting tool for the ship's ES system. The invention also includes a PC and a portable custom electronics unit that can be used to upload extractor files, store files, create new generator files, view generator files, and select a generator file for insertion. The electronics unit includes dual flow control buffers, data counters, a control logic, and output drivers and buffers. The generator is capable of accurately simulating the complex pulse environments of modern theaters of operation and is portable.

Problems solved by technology

However, due to the ever-increasing complexity and density of emissions in the RF spectrum, this method of assessing ES system performance is out-dated and insufficient.

Both injecting RF and built-in-test (BIT) do not provide the total RF environment.

Radiating at the antennas on a ship will capture the RF environment, reflections, etc but is often costly and time consuming.

However, modern ES and ECM systems do not possess long-term multi-pulse storage capability.

The PDW Collector does not, however, allow collected extractor files to be inserted back into an ES system.

However, this simulator is incapable of inserting into the ES system actual recorded PDW data that captures all the nuances of a ship, including own-ship reflections, sea reflections, roll and pitch effects, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

None of the above-mentioned references discloses a system that is capable of inserting previously recorded or fabricated RF pulse data into an ES system to realistically simulate a complete RF pulse environment.

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